Rani Rangimoekau is a visionary leader dedicated to empowering the next generation. As the founder of NextWave Future Leaders, a non-profit charitable trust, Rani is on a mission to inspire teenagers the NextWave of Future Leaders to become the leaders of tomorrow.

Rani's journey as a mother has deeply influenced her vision & passion for nurturing future leaders. Her understanding of the challenges young people face today, from navigating the pressures of puberty to managing the impacts of social media, bullying, mental health issues & including the tragic reality of youth suicide.

Rani's extensive experience guiding young people through programs like Project K (NZ), Tony Robbins' (GYLS) Global Youth Leadership Summit Virtual (USA), UPW Youth Leadership Virtual & Magic Moments Youth Leadership (Australia), has further solidified her commitment to supporting & uplifting the next generation. With studying Psychology at the University of Otago & her status as a Tony Robbins Platinum Partner & Senior Leader with the Tony Robbins organization, Rani brings a wealth of expertise & a proven track record to her mission.

Born in Dunedin, New Zealand, Rani's entrepreneurial journey began at a young age. While still in school, she juggled three part-time jobs while still getting good grades. Rani landed her first full-time role at Radio Otago, quickly rising to become the scheduling manager of seven radio stations by age 19.

Rani's ambition then led her overseas, where she found great success in the recruitment industry, working & managing recruitment companies in England, Ireland & Australia.

However, upon returning to New Zealand on holiday, Rani faced personal health challenges that landed her in hospital. With her family unsure of how to help, they uplifted all of her belongings & brought them back to New Zealand. Just seven days after leaving the hospital, Rani was expected to return to her life overseas, but she couldn't.

This could have derailed her, but her resilience & determination prevailed. At the age of 26, Rani decided to start her own recruitment company, DKW Recruitment Group, with her partner Grant Richardson, despite having only $3 to their name. Three years after starting DKW Recruitment Group, Rani was named the New Zealand Māori Business Woman of the Year 2005 & 2006 & the business won Best Regional Company in the Māori Business Awards & DKW was also recognized as the 13th fastest-growing company in New Zealand by Deloitte's Fast 50.

Over the next 25 years, Rani's leadership & vision transformed DKW into a nationally recognized recruitment powerhouse.

Now, with three decades of excellence in the recruitment industry, Rani's experience & expertise are unparalleled. Along with DKW Recruitment Group, she is also the Managing Director of VA Professionals Global & the President & CEO of Mercalli Freelance, alongside Grant Richardson. Together, they have revolutionized the world of freelance work, empowering VA professionals globally.

Inspired by her own achievements & passion for inspiring youth, Rani has created NextWave Future Leaders, a non-profit organization where she can truly give back & help equip the next generation with the skills, resilience & confidence needed to succeed & thrive in all aspects of life. Rani's dedication continues to shape the future of recruitment, virtual assistants, freelance work & our NextWave of Future Leaders - our youth empowerment, leaving an indelible mark on the world.